Most people probably expected the Saints game against the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers to be a little closer than the one-sided blowout that ensued in the Superdome
Sunday afternoon. From the opening drive, in which the Saints moved
effortlessly down the field to take a 7-0 lead, the Saints had plenty of fight,
and the Bucs didn't seem to have any at all. On offense, Brees was a symphony
conductor, moving the ball around to multiple receivers seemingly at will. The
Saints ran the ball with enough command to keep the Bucs defense off balance. And
the Saints defense feasted on a confused and seemingly lethargic Josh Freeman, picking
him off four times and stifling the Bucs offense to earn their first shutout in
17 years.

OFFENSE

Drew Brees, quarterback, Saints

Brees had the kind of day that has been a little too
infrequent this year, throwing with command and spreading the ball around to nine
different receivers. Brees ended the day 26 of 39 for 307 yards and four
touchdowns, with no interceptions, for a quarterback rating of 124.6. And with 149
yards of rushing to keep some semblance of balance, the Saints proved that when
they can run the ball effectively, they make Brees that much more dangerous. With
a similar performance in Dallas next week, Brees can erase a lot of difficult
memories this season.

DEFENSE

Jabari Greer, cornerback, Saints

Greer was targeted by Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman
several times during the game. Maybe not such a great idea. The Saints corner
responded with four tackles and four defensed passes, two of which he picked
off. It was the first time in Greer's career that he notched two int's in one
game.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Thomas Morstead, punter/kickoff specialist, Saints

Let's face it: When your only sure pro-bowler is your
punter, you probably haven't had the greatest of seasons. Morstead continued his
scorching work as placekicker and punter Sunday, averaging more than 53 yards
on 5 punts. He is flirting with the NFL season record for net yards punting
(although the coverage team allowing a 39-yard punt return by the Bucs didn't
help.) Outdoors in New York last week, Morstead had trouble kicking touchbacks,
exposing failures in the Saints coverage teams. Usually, Morstead kicks well
enough to hide whatever coverage flaws might exist. He may be the best in the NFL at his
position right now.